Channel decoder and method for generating equalized data and data estimates based on multiple sets of depths provided via a viterbi algorithm

ABSTRACT

A channel decoder includes a demodulator, a filter, a detector module, and first and second circuits. The demodulator receives an input signal based on data read from a storage medium, and demodulates the input signal to generate a data signal. The filter generates equalized data based on the data signal. The detector module executes a Viterbi algorithm based on the equalized data to generate estimates of data originally stored in the storage medium, and based on the execution of the Viterbi algorithm, generates a first and second sets of depths. The first set of depths includes depths larger than depths in the second set of depths. The first circuit generates a first error signal based on the first set of depths. The second circuit generates a second error signal based on the second set of depths. The filter generates the equalized data based on the first and second error signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present disclosure is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/219,917 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,032), filed Aug. 29, 2011, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/784,291 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,010,883), filed Apr. 6, 2007. This application claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/796,444, filed May 1,2006. The entire disclosures of the applications referenced above areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to receive channel detectionarchitectures, and more particularly to performance of and noisecancellation within a receive channel.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided herein is for the purpose ofgenerally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of thepresently named inventors, to the extent it is described in thisbackground section, as well as aspects of the description that may nototherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neitherexpressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the presentdisclosure.

Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) is a desired technology for harddisk drive storage due to its associated high storage densities. PMRrefers to the vertical alignment of data bits on a recording medium,such as a disk. This vertical alignment provides additional space on thestorage medium, thereby enabling higher recording densities. To decodethe stored data on the storage medium, a trellis-based Viterbi detectoris often coupled to an associated read channel and has certainperformance limitations.

Referring to FIG. 1, a traditional read channel detection architecture10 is shown. The architecture 10 includes a finite impulse response(FIR) filter 12 that receives data samples r(t) and generates anequalized data signal 14. The equalized signal 14 is received by anonlinear Virterbi (NLV) detector 16 that has an internal Viterbialgorithm to determine the most likely sequence of hidden states. TheViterbi detector 16 produces a preliminary non-return-to-zero (NRZ) dataestimates 18 and final NRZ data estimates 20. The final NRZ estimatesare produced after a certain amount of latency. This latency is referredto as the Viterbi path memory length. The path memory length is setsufficiently long such that the surviving paths of the Viterbi algorithmmerge with high probability and the final NRZ data estimates have goodreliability. A surviving path is the most likely path to a particularhidden state.

The preliminary NRZ data estimates 18 have a smaller Viterbi path memorydepth than the final NRZ data estimates 20 and thus are referred to asViterbi early decisions. The early decisions are used to reconstruct theoutput of the FIR 12 by convolving with a partial response target orreconstruction filter 22. The preliminary NRZ data estimates 18 arereceived by the reconstruction filter 22 to generate reconstructed FIRoutputs 24.

A delay block 26 is connected between the output 28 of the FIR 12 andthe reconstruction filter 22. Reconstructed FIR outputs 24 aresubtracted from the delayed FIR outputs 30 of the delay block 26 togenerate an error signal 32. The error signal 32 is used to calculateerror gradients for timing loop, automatic again control (AGC) loop,baseline correction loop, and FIR adaptation loop purposes.

The Viterbi early depth or path length of the preliminary NRZ estimatesmust be carefully and appropriately selected. When the early depth istoo small, the Viterbi early decisions have too many errors, which causethe timing loop and the AGC loop to operate improperly. When the earlydepth is too long, the timing loop and the AGC loop cannot trackfast-varying timing/gain errors.

During PMR of hard disk drives, the magnetoresistive read head producesa zero output voltage at magnetic transitions and a nonzero output inregions of constant magnetic polarity. Thus, the received signal r(t) inPMR has a nonzero DC response. In PMR, a main source of DC distortion orDC noise is the data dependent wandering of the baseline value fromAC-coupling in the preamplifier and read channel. The baseline value isa DC reference value. As such, the baseline correction loop isincorporated as a feedback to reduce this DC noise.

The above-described architecture of FIG. 1 has performance limits. TheNLV detector is well-equipped to handle data-dependent media noise, butsuffers a performance loss when receiving a time variant DC noise, asdescribed above when associated with PMR. This performance loss isprimarily due to the relatively long latency of the baseline loop, whichfails to adequately compensate for the time variant DC noise.

SUMMARY

A channel decoder is provided and includes a demodulator, a filter, adetector module, a first circuit, and a second circuit. The demodulatoris configured to (i) receive an input signal based on data read from astorage medium, and (ii) demodulate the input signal to generate a datasignal. The filter is configured to generate equalized data based on thedata signal. The detector module is configured to (i) execute a Viterbialgorithm based on the equalized data to generate estimates of dataoriginally stored in the storage medium, and (ii) based on the executionof the Viterbi algorithm, generate a first set of depths and a secondset of depths. The first set of depths include depths larger than depthsin the second set of depths. The first circuit is configured to generatea first error signal based on the first set of depths. The secondcircuit is configured to generate a second error signal based on thesecond set of depths. The filter generates the equalized data based onthe first error signal and the second error signal.

In other features, a method is provided and includes: receiving an inputsignal based on data read from a storage medium; demodulating the inputsignal to generate a data signal; generating equalized data based on thedata signal; and executing a Viterbi algorithm based on the equalizeddata to generate estimates of data originally stored in the storagemedium. The method further includes, based on the execution of theViterbi algorithm, generating a first set of depths and a second set ofdepths. The first set of depths includes depths larger than depths inthe second set of depths. The method further includes: generating afirst error signal based on the first set of depths; and generating asecond error signal based on the second set of depths. The equalizeddata is generated based on the first error signal and the second errorsignal.

In other features, a detector is provided and includes a Viterbi modulethat generates a first preliminary data estimate signal and a secondpreliminary data estimate signal based on a received data signal. Afirst error loop generates a first error signal based on said firstpreliminary data estimate signal. A second error loop generates a seconderror signal based on the second preliminary data estimate signal.

In other features, the first error loop includes a target filter thatgenerates a reconstructed signal based on the first preliminary dataestimate signal. A delay block generates a delayed output signal. Asummer generates an error signal based on the reconstructed signal andthe delayed output signal.

In yet other features, the second error loop includes a target filterthat generates a reconstructed signal based on the second preliminarydata estimate signal. A delay block generates a delayed output signal. Asummer generates an error signal based on the reconstructed signal andthe delayed output signal.

In still other features, a first target filter is included thatgenerates a first reconstructed signal based on the first preliminarydata estimate signal. A second target filter generates a secondreconstructed signal based on the second preliminary data estimatesignal. A first delay block generates a first delayed output signal. Asecond delay block generates a second delayed output signal. A firstsummer that generates a first error signal based on the firstreconstructed signal and the first delayed output signal.

In additional features, a second summer generates a second error signalbased on the second reconstructed signal and the second delayed outputsignal. In other features, a first feedback output outputs the firsterror signal. A second feedback output outputs the second error signal.In other features, the first delay and the second delay match signaldelay of the first preliminary data estimate signal and the secondpreliminary data estimate signal.

In further features, the detector generates the first preliminary dataestimate signal based on a first Viterbi depth and the secondpreliminary data estimate signal based on a second Viterbi depth. Inother features, the second Viterbi depth is less than the first Viterbidepth. In other features, the first Viterbi depth and the second Viterbidepth are stored predetermined values.

In other features, the detector generates a final data estimate signalbased on the received data signal.

A channel decoder circuit is also provided that includes a detector thatgenerates a first preliminary data estimate signal and a secondpreliminary data estimate signal based on a received data signal. Afirst error loop generates a first error signal based on the firstpreliminary data estimate signal. A second error loop generates a seconderror signal based on the second preliminary data estimate signal. Abaseline loop generates a correction signal based on the second errorsignal.

In other features, the detector generates the first preliminary dataestimate signal and a second preliminary data estimate signal based onthe correction signal.

In yet other features, a timing loop is provided that generates a timingsignal based on the first error signal. The detector generates the firstpreliminary data estimate signal and the second preliminary dataestimate signal based on the timing signal.

In still other features, a gain loop is provided that generates a gainsignal based on the first error signal. The detector generates the firstpreliminary data estimate signal and the second preliminary dataestimate signal based on the gain signal.

In other features, a filter loop is provided that generates a weightsignal based on the first error signal. The detector generates the firstpreliminary data estimate signal and the second preliminary dataestimate signal based on the weight signal.

In additional features, the first error loop includes a target filterthat generates a reconstructed signal based on the first preliminarydata estimate signal. A delay block generates a delayed output signalbased on the received data signal. A summer generates the first errorsignal based on the reconstructed signal and the delayed output signal.

In further features, the second error loop includes a target filter thatgenerates a reconstructed signal based on the second preliminary dataestimate signal. A delay block generates a delayed output signal basedon the received data signal. A summer generates the second error signalbased on the reconstructed signal and the delayed output signal.

In other features, a first target filter generates a first reconstructedsignal based on the first preliminary data estimate signal. A secondtarget filter generates a second reconstructed signal based on thesecond preliminary data estimate signal. A first delay block generates afirst delayed output signal based on the received data signal. A seconddelay block generates a second delayed output signal based on thereceived data signal. A first summer generates the first error signalbased on the first reconstructed signal and the first delayed outputsignal. A second summer generates the second error signal based on thesecond reconstructed signal and the second delayed output signal.

In other features, the detector generates a final data estimate signalbased on the received data signal.

A method of operating a receive channel decoder is also provided andincludes generating a first preliminary data estimate signal and asecond preliminary data estimate signal based on a received data signalvia a Viterbi module. A first error signal is generated based on thefirst preliminary data estimate signal. The second preliminary dataestimate signal is feedback to generate a second error signal.

In other features, the first preliminary data estimate signal isfiltered to generate a reconstructed signal. The received signal isdelayed to generate a delayed output signal. The reconstructed signaland the delayed output signal are summed to generate an error signal.

In still other features, the second preliminary data estimate signal isfiltered to generate a reconstructed signal. The received signal isdelayed to generate a delayed output signal. The reconstructed signaland the delayed output signal are summed to generate an error signal.

In additional features, the first preliminary data estimate signal isfiltered to generate a first reconstructed signal. The secondpreliminary data estimate signal is filtered to generate a secondreconstructed signal. The received signal is delayed to generate a firstdelayed output signal and a second delayed output signal. The firstreconstructed signal and the first delayed output signal are summed togenerate a first error signal. The second reconstructed signal and thesecond delayed output signal are summed to generate a second errorsignal. In other features, signal delay of the first preliminary dataestimate signal and the second preliminary data estimate signal arematched.

In other features, the first preliminary data estimate signal isgenerated based on a first Viterbi depth and the second preliminary dataestimate signal is based on a second Viterbi depth. In other features,the first Viterbi depth and the second Viterbi depth are stored aspredetermined values.

In further features, a final data estimate signal is generated based onthe received data signal.

A method of operating a receive channel decoder is further provided andincludes generating a first preliminary data estimate signal and asecond preliminary data estimate signal based on a received data signalvia a Viterbi module. A first error signal is generated based on thefirst preliminary data estimate signal. A second error signal isgenerated based on the second preliminary data estimate signal. Thesecond error signal is feedback to generate a correction signal.

In other features, the first preliminary data estimate signal and thesecond preliminary data estimate signal are generated based on saidcorrection signal.

In yet other features, the first error signal is feedback to generate atiming signal. The first preliminary data estimate signal and the secondpreliminary data estimate signal are generated based on the timingsignal.

In other features, the first error signal is feedback to generate a gainsignal. The first preliminary data estimate signal and the secondpreliminary data estimate signal are generated based on the gain signal.

In still other features, the first error signal is feedback to generatea weight signal. The first preliminary data estimate signal and thesecond preliminary data estimate signal are generated based on theweight signal.

In other features, the first preliminary data estimate signal isfiltered to generate a reconstructed signal. The received signal isdelayed to generate a delayed output signal. The reconstructed signaland the delayed output signal are summed to generate the first errorsignal.

In other features, the second preliminary data estimate signal isfiltered to generate a reconstructed signal. The received data signal isdelayed to generate a delayed output signal. The reconstructed signaland the delayed output signal are summed to generate the second errorsignal.

In additional features, the first preliminary data estimate signal isfiltered to generate a first reconstructed signal. The secondpreliminary data estimate signal is filtered to generate a secondreconstructed signal. The received data signal is delayed to generate afirst delayed output signal and a second delayed output signal. Thefirst reconstructed signal and the first delayed output signal aresummed to generate the first error signal. The second reconstructedsignal and the second delayed output signal are summed to generate thesecond error signal.

In other features, a final data estimate signal is generated based onthe received data signal.

A detector is further provided that includes Viterbi means forgenerating a first preliminary data estimate signal and a secondpreliminary data estimate signal based on a received data signal. Firsterror loop means generates a first error signal based on the firstpreliminary data estimate signal. Second error loop means generates asecond error signal based on the second preliminary data estimatesignal.

In further features, the first error loop means includes target meansthat generates a reconstructed signal based on the first preliminarydata estimate signal. Delay means generates a delayed output signal.Summing means generates an error signal based on the reconstructedsignal and the delayed output signal.

In other features, the second error loop means includes target meansthat generates a reconstructed signal based on the second preliminarydata estimate signal. Delay means generates a delayed output signal.Summing means generates an error signal based on the reconstructedsignal and the delayed output signal.

In still other features, first target means generates a firstreconstructed signal based on the first preliminary data estimatesignal. Second target means generates a second reconstructed signalbased on the second preliminary data estimate signal. First delay meansgenerates a first delayed output signal. Second delay means generates asecond delayed output signal. First summing means generates a firsterror signal based on the first reconstructed signal and the firstdelayed output signal. Second summing means generates a second errorsignal based on the second reconstructed signal and the second delayedoutput signal. In other features, first feedback means outputs the firsterror signal. Second feedback means outputs said second error signal. Inother features, the first delay means and the second delay means matchsignal delay of the first preliminary data estimate signal and thesecond preliminary data estimate signal.

In yet other features, the Viterbi means generates the first preliminarydata estimate signal based on a first Viterbi depth and the secondpreliminary data estimate signal based on a second Viterbi depth. Inother features, the second Viterbi depth is less than the first Viterbidepth. In other features, the first Viterbi depth and the second Viterbidepth are stored predetermined values.

In other features, the Viterbi means generates a final data estimatesignal based on the received data signal.

In other features, a channel decoder circuit includes Viterbi means thatgenerates a first preliminary data estimate signal and a secondpreliminary data estimate signal based on a received data signal. Firstloop means generates a first error signal based on the first preliminarydata estimate signal. Second loop means generates a second error signalbased on the second preliminary data estimate signal. Baseline loopmeans generates a correction signal based on the second error signal.

In other features, the Viterbi means generates the first preliminarydata estimate signal and the second preliminary data estimate signalbased on the correction signal.

In other features, timing loop means generates a timing signal based onthe first error signal. The Viterbi means generates the firstpreliminary data estimate signal and the second preliminary dataestimate signal based on the timing signal.

In other features, gain loop means that generates a gain signal based onthe first error signal, the Viterbi means generates the firstpreliminary data estimate signal and the second preliminary dataestimate signal based on the gain signal.

In other features, filter loop means generates a weight signal based onthe first error signal, the Viterbi means generates the firstpreliminary data estimate signal and the second preliminary dataestimate signal based on the weight signal.

In other features, the first loop means includes target means thatgenerates a reconstructed signal based on the first preliminary dataestimate signal. Delay means generates a delayed output signal based onthe received data signal. Summing means generates the first error signalbased on the reconstructed signal and the delayed output signal.

In other features, the second loop means includes target means thatgenerates a reconstructed signal based on the second preliminary dataestimate signal. Delay means generates a delayed output signal based onthe received data signal. Summing means generates the second errorsignal based on the reconstructed signal and the delayed output signal.

In other features, first target means generates a first reconstructedsignal based on the first preliminary data estimate signal. Secondtarget means generates a second reconstructed signal based on the secondpreliminary data estimate signal. First delay means generates a firstdelayed output signal based on the received data signal. Second delaymeans generates a second delayed output signal based on the receiveddata signal. First summing means generates the first error signal basedon the first reconstructed signal and the first delayed output signal.Second summing means generates the second error signal based on thesecond reconstructed signal and the second delayed output signal.

In other features, the Viterbi means generates a final data estimatesignal based on the received data signal.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the disclosure, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a read channel detectionarchitecture according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a coded storage systemincorporating a dual error loop Viterbi detector according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a receive channel detectioncircuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a data flow diagram illustrating an operational method of areceive channel decoder according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5A is a functional block diagram of a hard disk drive;

FIG. 5B is a functional block diagram of a DVD drive;

FIG. 5C is a functional block diagram of a high definition television;

FIG. 5D is a functional block diagram of a vehicle control system;

FIG. 5E is a functional block diagram of a cellular phone;

FIG. 5F is a functional block diagram of a set top box; and

FIG. 5G is a functional block diagram of a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no wayintended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. For purposesof clarity, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings toidentify similar elements. As used herein, the term module refers to anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, aprocessor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one ormore software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit,and/or other suitable components that provide the describedfunctionality. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and Cshould be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using anon-exclusive logical or. It should be understood that steps within amethod may be executed in different order without altering theprinciples of the present disclosure.

It is desirable in perpendicular magnetic recording to minimize DC noiseor noise around the DC information signal. One technique that may beused to reduce the DC noise is to reduce the baseline loop latency toobtain early decisions by use of a smaller Viterbi depth. Although sucha technique reduces DC noise, it increases the risk associated with thebreak down of timing loop and automatic gain control. The embodiments ofthe present disclosure reduce the DC noise without negatively affectingloop timing and automatic gain control.

Referring to FIG. 2, a coded storage system 50 that incorporates a dualerror loop Viterbi detector (“detector”) 52 is shown. The storage system50 includes a write path 54 and a read path 56. The write path 54 has achannel encoder 58 that receives an information data stream u(t) andgenerates a codeword data stream v(t). The codeword data stream v(t) isreceived by a modulator 60 and written to a channel/storage medium 62.Although the embodiment of FIG. 2 is directed to a storage system, oneskilled in the art would recognize its applicability to othercommunication mediums. As such, the write path 54, the read path 56 andthe channel/storage medium 62 may refer to any transmit path, receivepath and encoded communication channel.

Signal n represents the noise that is experienced by and thus in effectadded to the modulated signal 60. The combination of the noise n withthe modulated signal 60 is received by a demodulator 70 of the read path56. The demodulator 70 generates a received signal r(t), which istransmitted to a channel decoder 72. The channel decoder 72 contains thedetector 52. The detector 52 generates an error signal based on thereceived signal r(t). An example error signal is shown and describedwith respect to the embodiment of FIG. 3. The error signal is used todrive feedback loops within the channel decoder 72, which in turnaffects the information output signal û(t). The detector 52 and theoperation thereof are described in further detail below.

Referring to FIG. 3, a functional block diagram of a receive channeldetection circuit 100 is shown. The receive channel circuit 100 may bereferred to as a channel decoder and includes the detector 52. Thedetector 52 has an input 102, a final data output 104, a first errorloop signal output 106 and a second error loop signal output 108. Thefirst error output 106 is connected, respectively, to a timing loop 110,an automatic gain control (AGC) loop 112 and an adaptive finite impulseresponse (AFIR) filter loop 114. The second error output 108 isconnected to a DC/baseline loop 116. As such, the first error output 106may be referred to as the timing/AGC/AFIR output and the second erroroutput 108 may be referred to as the DC/baseline output.

The receive channel circuit 100 receives the received signal r(t), whichis passed through a variable gain amplifier (VGA) 120. The VGA 120amplifies the received signal r(t) and has a VGA output 122 and a VGAfeedback input 124. The VGA output 122 is connected to a first baseline(BL) summer 126, followed by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 128,which in turn is connected to an AFIR filter 130. The A/D converter 128converts the analog summer output signal 131 into a digital input signal132. The equalized data output signal 133 of the AFIR 130 is received bythe detector 52. A second BL summer 134 is connected between the AFIR130 and the detector 52.

The detector 52 includes a Viterbi detector module 140 that drives apair of error loops 142, 144. The Viterbi detector module 140 has aViterbi detector module input 145, a first preliminary data output 146,a second preliminary data output 147 and a final data output 148. Thefirst error loop 142 has a first target/reconstruction filter 149 and afirst delay block D₀ and is used for timing, AGC, and AFIR adjustment.The second error loop 144 has a second target/reconstruction filter 150and a second delay block D₁ and is used for DC/baseline adjustment. Thesecond error loop 144 provides a separate loop in which early decisionswith smaller Viterbi depth can be used for the DC/baseline adjustment.By incorporating a second loop for the DC/baseline adjustment, the loopsassociated with the timing, AGC and the AFIR adjustment are notadversely affected.

In use, the first target/reconstruction filter 149 generates the firstreconstructed output signal 160 and the first delay block D₀ generatesthe first delayed filter output signal 162. The first reconstructedoutput signal 160 is subtracted from the first delayed filter outputsignal 162 via a first error summer 164 to generate a first error signal166. The first error signal 166 is provided to the timing loop 110, theAGC loop 112 and the AFIR loop 114. Likewise, the secondtarget/reconstruction filter 150 generates, the second reconstructedoutput signal 170 and the second delay block D₁ generates the seconddelayed filter output signal 172. The second reconstructed output signal170 is subtracted from the second delayed filtered output signal 172 viaa second error summer 174 to generate a second error signal 176. Thesecond error signal 176 is provided to the DC/baseline loop 116.

The Viterbi detector module 140 generates the early or preliminary NRZdata estimate signals 180, 182 and the final decision or final NRZ dataestimate signal û(t) 104. The Viterbi detector module 140 may includeone or more Viterbi detector sub-modules each of which having one ormore associated Viterbi depths or constraint lengths. The depths referto the number of cycles an input bit is retained and used after it firstappears at the Viterbi detector module input 145. The depths may bereferred to as memory lengths and correspond to a position within amemory buffer, such as the memory 183 of the Viterbi detector module140. The preliminary NRZ data estimate signals 180, 182 include two setsof estimates that have a first set of Viterbi early depths and a secondset of Viterbi early depths, respectively. The first set of earlyestimates is associated with the first error loop 142 and the second setof early estimates is associated with the second error loop 144. TheViterbi early depths are provided to the target/reconstruction filters149 and 150. In general, the first set of Viterbi early depths are morethan the second set of Viterbi early depths. The use of smaller Viterbidepths for the DC/baseline loop reduces noise around the DC signal ofthe receive channel detection circuit 100.

The following feedback loops are provided solely for example purposes.The feedback loops may be modified for various applications. Also, thefeedback loops shown and described herein are not all inclusive;additional feedback loops may be incorporated. One or more of thefeedback loops may be used, depending on the application.

The timing loop 110 is used for timing recovery of the originallytransmitted encoded information signal. The timing loop 110 is shown asa feedback loop that receives the first error signal 166 and adjusts thetiming of the A/D converter 128. The timing loop 110 may include atiming error detector 190, as shown, and/or one or more filters andoscillators, such as a voltage controlled oscillator or a numericallycontrolled oscillator. The timing loop 110 may be and/or also includes aphase lock loop. The timing error detector 190 generates a timingcorrection signal 191 that is received by the A/D converter 128.

The AGC loop 112 is shown as a feedback loop that receives the firsterror signal 166 and adjusts the gain on the VGA 120. The AGC loop 112may have an AGC block 192 for processing and monitoring of the firsterror signal 166. The AGC block 192 generates a gain correction controlsignal 194, which is provided to the VGA 120.

The AFIR loop 114 is also shown as a feedback loop that receives thefirst error signal 166 and adjusts filter cutoff frequencies and/orother filter characteristics. The AFIR loop 114 may have a leastmeans-square (LMS) block 196, which adjusts the weight vectors for theAFIR 130 to provide the minimum means square error. The LMS block 196generates a weight correction signal 197 that is received by the AFIR130.

The DC/baseline loop 116 is used for tracking an unknown or varying DCsignal, such as that within perpendicular magnetic recording and mayinclude one or more baseline sub-loops. In the example shown in FIG. 3,the baseline loop 116 includes a primary or inner loop 200 and an outerloop 202. The inner loop 200 provides correction at the Viterbi detectorinput 102. The outer loop 202 limits the DC offset to the A/D converter128 and prevents clipping. The inner loop 200 includes an inner BL block204 and the outer loop 202 includes an outer BL block 206.

The inner BL block 204 receives the second error signal 176 andgenerates an inner baseline correction signal 208. The inner baselinecorrection signal is summed with the equalized data output signal togenerate a corrected equalized input signal 218 that is received by thedetector 52. The outer BL block 206 receives the second error signal 176adjusted by a delayed version of the inner baseline correction signal208. The inner baseline correction signal 208 is delayed via a third BLdelay block 214 and subtracted from the second error signal 176 by a BLsummer 216 to generate a BL summer output signal 219. The outer BL block206 generates an outer baseline correction signal 212 based on the BLsummer output signal 219. The stated subtraction removes the inner BLcorrection term from the outer loop 202. Thus, the outer loop 202 isindependent of the inner BL loop 200. The outer baseline correctionsignal 212 is converted into analog form by a digital-to-analog (D/A)converter 220 for subtraction from the amplified output signal 122 ofthe VGA 120.

Referring to FIG. 4, a data flow diagram illustrating an operationalmethod of a receive channel detection circuit is shown. Although thefollowing steps are described primarily with respect to the embodimentof FIG. 3, they may be easily modified to apply to other embodiments ofthe present invention.

In step 300, an equalized data estimate signal, such as the equalizedsignal 133 or the corrected equalized input signal 218 is received by adual error loop Viterbi detector, such as the detector 52. The equalizedsignal is simultaneously received by a Viterbi detector module, a firstdelay device and a second delay device, such as by the Viterbi detectormodule 140 and the delays D₀, D₁.

In step 302, the Viterbi detector module generates preliminary NRZ dataestimate signals and a final NRZ data estimate signal, such as thesignals 180, 182, û(t) based on the equalized signal. In step 302A, afirst preliminary NRZ data estimate signal is generated based on a firstViterbi pipe delay and a first Viterbi early depth. In step 302B, asecond preliminary NRZ data estimate signal is generated based on asecond Viterbi pipe delay and a second Viterbi early depth. A Viterbipipe delay refers to the time delay or number of clock cycles to performthe Viterbi decoding process of concern. In other words, a pipe delay isthe computational length of the Viterbi detector module of interest orportion thereof.

In one embodiment, the first pipe delay is set equal to the second pipedelay and the second early depth is set less than the first early depth.In another example embodiment, the first early depth is set atapproximately 11 and the second early depth is set at a value within anapproximate range of 3-8. Of course, the early depth values arearbitrary relative values and may vary per application. For example,when an increase in DC noise is experienced, the second early depthvalue may be decreased to compensate and remove such noise. The delaysand the depths of steps 302A and 302B may be predetermined set valuesstored in the Viterbi detector, a designated memory or otherwisegenerated. In step 302C, the final NRZ data estimate signal isgenerated.

In step 304, a first delayed filter output signal is generated based onthe corrected equalized signal and a first delay, such as D₀. The firstdelay may correspond with and/or match the signal delay through theViterbi detector module and/or the signal delay through the firstreconstruction filter. The first delay is associated with the delay togenerate the first preliminary NRZ estimate signal. In step 306, asecond delayed filter output signal is generated based on the correctedequalized signal and a second delay, such as D₁. The second delay maycorrespond with and/or match the signal delay through the Viterbidetector module and/or the signal delay through the secondreconstruction filter. The second delay is associated with the delay togenerate the second preliminary NRZ estimate signal.

In step 308, a first reconstructed output signal is generated based onthe first preliminary NRZ estimate signal via a first reconstructionfilter, such as the first target/reconstruction filter 149. In step 310,a second reconstructed output signal is generated based on the secondpreliminary NRZ estimate signal via a second reconstruction filter, suchas the second target/reconstruction filter 150. The reconstructionfilters use the early decision Viterbi outputs to reconstruct a noisefree Viterbi detector input. For example, if a Viterbi detector ismatched to an equalization target H(D), then an associatedreconstruction filter convolves the early decision Viterbi detectoroutput with the equalization target H(D).

In step 312, the first reconstructed output signal is subtracted fromthe first delayed output signal to generate a first error signal. Thismay be performed via a first summer, such as the first summer 164. Thefirst error signal is provided to a timing loop, an AGC loop, and/or anAFIR loop, such as the loops 110, 112, 114. In step 314, the secondreconstructed output signal is subtracted from the second delayed outputsignal to generate a second error signal. This may be performed via asecond summer, such as the second summer 174. The second error signal isprovided to a DC/baseline loop, such as the loop 116.

The above-described steps may be performed sequentially, simultaneously,or in a different order depending upon the application. In theembodiment as described, step 304 is performed simultaneously with steps302 and 308 and step 306 is performed simultaneously with steps 302 and310. Also, in the described embodiment, step 312 is performedsimultaneously with step 314.

Of course, the above-described read channel circuit 100, the method ofFIG. 4 and, in general, the embodiments of the present invention may beapplied to applications fall under IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a,802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11h, 802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20. Also, theembodiments of the present invention may be applied in wirelessBluetooth applications or in other applications in which information isbeing received from a storage or communication channel.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-5G, various exemplary implementationsincorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are shown.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, the teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a read/write channel module (hereinafter, “read channel”)409 and/or an I/O Interface 415 of a hard disk drive (HDD) 400. Forexample, the above-described read channel reception circuit may be usedto receive and decode information from a magnetic medium 403 of the HDD400 or other channel. The HDD 400 includes a hard disk assembly (HDA)401 and a HDD PCB 402. The HDA 401 may include the magnetic medium 403,such as one or more platters that store data, and a read/write device404. The read/write device 404 may be arranged on an actuator arm 405and may read and write data on the magnetic medium 403. Additionally,the HDA 401 includes a spindle motor 406 that rotates the magneticmedium 403 and a voice-coil motor (VCM) 407 that actuates the actuatorarm 405. A preamplifier device 408 amplifies signals generated by theread/write device 404 during read operations and provides signals to theread/write device 404 during write operations.

The HDD PCB 402 includes the read channel 409, a hard disk controller(HDC) module 410, a buffer 411, nonvolatile memory 412, a processor 413,and a spindle/VCM driver module 414. The read channel 409 processes datareceived from and transmitted to the preamplifier device 408. The HDCmodule 410 controls components of the HDA 401 and communicates with anexternal device (not shown) via the I/O interface 415. The externaldevice may include a computer, a multimedia device, a mobile computingdevice, etc. The I/O interface 415 may include wireline and/or wirelesscommunication links.

The HDC module 410 may receive data from the HDA 401, the read channel409, the buffer 411, nonvolatile memory 412, the processor 413, thespindle/VCM driver module 414, and/or the I/O interface 415. Theprocessor 413 may process the data, including encoding, decoding,filtering, and/or formatting. The processed data may be output to theHDA 401, the read channel 409, the buffer 411, nonvolatile memory 412,the processor 413, the spindle/VCM driver module 414, and/or the I/Ointerface 415.

The HDC module 410 may use the buffer 411 and/or nonvolatile memory 412to store data related to the control and operation of the HDD 400. Thebuffer 411 may include DRAM, SDRAM, etc. The nonvolatile memory 412 mayinclude flash memory (including NAND and NOR flash memory), phase changememory, magnetic RAM, or multi-state memory, in which each memory cellhas more than two states. The spindle/VCM driver module 414 controls thespindle motor 406 and the VCM 407. The HDD PCB 402 includes a powersupply 416 that provides power to the components of the HDD 400.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, the teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in an optical device 433 and/or an I/O interface 429 of aDVD drive 418 or of a CD drive (not shown). As with the HDD 400, theread channel circuit 100 may be incorporated into the DVD drive 418 toreceive and decode information from a channel. The DVD drive 418includes a DVD PCB 419 and a DVD assembly (DVDA) 420. The DVD PCB 419includes a DVD control module 421, a buffer 422, nonvolatile memory 423,a processor 424, a spindle/FM (feed motor) driver module 425, an analogfront-end module 426, a write strategy module 427, and a DSP module 428.

The DVD control module 421 controls components of the DVDA 420 andcommunicates with an external device (not shown) via an I/O interface429. The external device may include a computer, a multimedia device, amobile computing device, etc. The I/O interface 429 may include wirelineand/or wireless communication links.

The DVD control module 421 may receive data from the buffer 422,nonvolatile memory 423, the processor 424, the spindle/FM driver module425, the analog front-end module 426, the write strategy module 427, theDSP module 428, and/or the I/O interface 429. The processor 424 mayprocess the data, including encoding, decoding, filtering, and/orformatting. The DSP module 428 performs signal processing, such as videoand/or audio coding/decoding. The processed data may be output to thebuffer 422, nonvolatile memory 423, the processor 424, the spindle/FMdriver module 425, the analog front-end module 426, the write strategymodule 427, the DSP module 428, and/or the I/O interface 429.

The DVD control module 421 may use the buffer 422 and/or nonvolatilememory 423 to store data related to the control and operation of the DVDdrive 418. The buffer 422 may include DRAM, SDRAM, etc. The nonvolatilememory 423 may include flash memory (including NAND and NOR flashmemory), phase change memory, magnetic RAM, or multi-state memory, inwhich each memory cell has more than two states. The DVD PCB 419includes a power supply 430 that provides power to the components of theDVD drive 418.

The DVDA 420 may include a preamplifier device 431, a laser driver 432,and an optical device 433, which may be an optical read/write (ORW)device or an optical read-only (OR) device. A spindle motor 434 rotatesan optical storage medium 435, and a feed motor 436 actuates the opticaldevice 433 relative to the optical storage medium 435.

When reading data from the optical storage medium 435, the laser driverprovides a read power to the optical device 433. The optical device 433detects data from the optical storage medium 435, and transmits the datato the preamplifier device 431. The analog front-end module 426 receivesdata from the preamplifier device 431 and performs such functions asfiltering and A/D conversion. To write to the optical storage medium435, the write strategy module 427 transmits power level and timinginformation to the laser driver 432. The laser driver 432 controls theoptical device 433 to write data to the optical storage medium 435.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, the teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a WLAN interface 443 of a high definition television(HDTV) 437. As with the HDD 400, the read channel circuit 100 may beincorporated into the HDTV 437 to receive and decode information from achannel. The HDTV 437 includes a HDTV control module 438, a display 439,a power supply 440, memory 441, a storage device 442, the WLAN interface443 and associated antenna 444, and an external interface 445.

The HDTV 437 can receive input signals from the WLAN interface 443and/or the external interface 445, which sends and receives informationvia cable, broadband Internet, and/or satellite. The HDTV control module438 may process the input signals, including encoding, decoding,filtering, and/or formatting, and generate output signals. The outputsignals may be communicated to one or more of the display 439, memory441, the storage device 442, the WLAN interface 443, and the externalinterface 445.

Memory 441 may include random access memory (RAM) and/or nonvolatilememory such as flash memory, phase change memory, or multi-state memory,in which each memory cell has more than two states. The storage device442 may include an optical storage drive, such as a DVD drive, and/or ahard disk drive (HDD). The HDTV control module 438 communicatesexternally via the WLAN interface 443 and/or the external interface 445.The power supply 440 provides power to the components of the HDTV 437.

Referring now to FIG. 5D, the teachings of the disclosure may beimplemented in a WLAN interface 452 of a vehicle 446. As with the HDD400, the read channel circuit 100 may be incorporated into the vehicle446 to receive and decode information from a channel. The vehicle 446may include a vehicle control system 447, a power supply 448, memory449, a storage device 450, and the WLAN interface 452 and associatedantenna 453. The vehicle control system 447 may be a powertrain controlsystem, a body control system, an entertainment control system, ananti-lock braking system (ABS), a navigation system, a telematicssystem, a lane departure system, an adaptive cruise control system, etc.

The vehicle control system 447 may communicate with one or more sensors454 and generate one or more output signals 456. The sensors 454 mayinclude temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, pressure sensors,rotational sensors, airflow sensors, etc. The output signals 456 maycontrol engine operating parameters, transmission operating parameters,suspension parameters, etc.

The power supply 448 provides power to the components of the vehicle446. The vehicle control system 447 may store data in memory 449 and/orthe storage device 450. Memory 449 may include random access memory(RAM) and/or nonvolatile memory such as flash memory, phase changememory, or multi-state memory, in which each memory cell has more thantwo states. The storage device 450 may include an optical storage drive,such as a DVD drive, and/or a hard disk drive (HDD). The vehicle controlsystem 447 may communicate externally using the WLAN interface 452.

Referring now to FIG. 5E, the teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a WLAN interface 468 of a cellular phone 458. As with theHDD 400, the read channel circuit 100 may be incorporated into thecellular phone 458 to receive and decode information from a channel. Thecellular phone 458 includes a phone control module 460, a power supply462, memory 464, a storage device 466, and a cellular network interface467. The cellular phone 458 may include the WLAN interface 468 andassociated antenna 469, a microphone 470, an audio output 472 such as aspeaker and/or output jack, a display 474, and a user input device 476such as a keypad and/or pointing device.

The phone control module 460 may receive input signals from the cellularnetwork interface 467, the WLAN interface 468, the microphone 470,and/or the user input device 476. The phone control module 460 mayprocess signals, including encoding, decoding, filtering, and/orformatting, and generate output signals. The output signals may becommunicated to one or more of memory 464, the storage device 466, thecellular network interface 467, the WLAN interface 468, and the audiooutput 472.

Memory 464 may include random access memory (RAM) and/or nonvolatilememory such as flash memory, phase change memory, or multi-state memory,in which each memory cell has more than two states. The storage device466 may include an optical storage drive, such as a DVD drive, and/or ahard disk drive (HDD). The power supply 462 provides power to thecomponents of the cellular phone 458.

Referring now to FIG. 5F, the teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a WLAN interface 485 of a set top box 478. As with theHDD 400, the read channel circuit 100 may be incorporated into the settop box 478 to receive and decode information from a channel. The settop box 478 includes a set top control module 480, a display 481, apower supply 482, memory 483, a storage device 484, and the WLANinterface 485 and associated antenna 486.

The set top control module 480 may receive input signals from the WLANinterface 485 and an external interface 487, which can send and receiveinformation via cable, broadband Internet, and/or satellite. The set topcontrol module 480 may process signals, including encoding, decoding,filtering, and/or formatting, and generate output signals. The outputsignals may include audio and/or video signals in standard and/or highdefinition formats. The output signals may be communicated to the WLANinterface 485 and/or to the display 481. The display 481 may include atelevision, a projector, and/or a monitor.

The power supply 482 provides power to the components of the set top box478. Memory 483 may include random access memory (RAM) and/ornonvolatile memory such as flash memory, phase change memory, ormulti-state memory, in which each memory cell has more than two states.The storage device 484 may include an optical storage drive, such as aDVD drive, and/or a hard disk drive (HDD).

Referring now to FIG. 5G, the teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a WLAN interface 494 of a mobile device 489. As with theHDD 400, the read channel circuit 100 may be incorporated into themobile device 489 to receive and decode information from a channel. Themobile device 489 may include a mobile device control module 490, apower supply 491, memory 492, a storage device 493, the WLAN interface494 and associated antenna 495, and an external interface 499.

The mobile device control module 490 may receive input signals from theWLAN interface 494 and/or the external interface 499. The externalinterface 499 may include USB, infrared, and/or Ethernet. The inputsignals may include compressed audio and/or video, and may be compliantwith the MP3 format. Additionally, the mobile device control module 490may receive input from a user input 496 such as a keypad, touchpad, orindividual buttons. The mobile device control module 490 may processinput signals, including encoding, decoding, filtering, and/orformatting, and generate output signals.

The mobile device control module 490 may output audio signals to anaudio output 497 and video signals to a display 498. The audio output497 may include a speaker and/or an output jack. The display 498 maypresent a graphical user interface, which may include menus, icons, etc.The power supply 491 provides power to the components of the mobiledevice 489. Memory 492 may include random access memory (RAM) and/ornonvolatile memory such as flash memory, phase change memory, ormulti-state memory, in which each memory cell has more than two states.The storage device 493 may include an optical storage drive, such as aDVD drive, and/or a hard disk drive (HDD). The mobile device may includea personal digital assistant, a media player, a laptop computer, agaming console or other mobile computing device.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the disclosure can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosureincludes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure shouldnot be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to theskilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the specification andthe following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A channel decoder comprising: a demodulatorconfigured to (i) receive an input signal based on data read from astorage medium, and (ii) demodulate the input signal to generate a datasignal; a filter configured to generate equalized data based on the datasignal; a detector module configured to (i) execute a Viterbi algorithmbased on the equalized data to generate estimates of data originallystored in the storage medium, and (ii) based on the execution of theViterbi algorithm, generate a first set of depths and a second set ofdepths, wherein the first set of depths includes depths larger thandepths in the second set of depths; a first circuit configured togenerate a first error signal based on the first set of depths; and asecond circuit configured to generate a second error signal based on thesecond set of depths, wherein the filter generates the equalized databased on the first error signal and the second error signal.
 2. Thechannel decoder of claim 1, further comprising: an amplifier configuredto amplify the input signal to generate an output; and a summerconfigured to generate an output signal based on (i) the output of theamplifier, and (ii) the second error signal, wherein the filter isconfigured to generate the equalized data based on the output signal. 3.The channel decoder of claim 1, further comprising: a first summerconfigured to generate the first error signal indicating a first errorgradient based on the first set of depths; and a second summerconfigured to generate the second error signal indicating a second errorgradient based on the second set of depths.
 4. The channel decoder ofclaim 3, further comprising: a first delay device configured to delaythe equalized data to generate a first delayed signal, wherein the firstsummer is configured to generate the first error signal based on thefirst delayed signal; and a second delay device configured to delay theequalized data to generate a second delayed signal, wherein the secondsummer is configured to generate the second error signal based on thesecond delayed signal.
 5. The channel decoder of claim 3, furthercomprising: a first filter configured to filter a first estimate signalto generate a first output signal; and a second filter configured tofilter a second estimate signal to generate a second output signal,wherein the detector module is configured to (i) generate the firstestimate signal based on the first set of depths, and (ii) the secondestimate signal based on the second set of depths.
 6. The channeldecoder of claim 5, further comprising: a first delay device configuredto delay the equalized data to generate a first delayed signal; and asecond delay device configured to delay the equalized data to generate asecond delayed signal, wherein the first summer is configured togenerate the first error signal based on the first output signal and thefirst delayed signal, and wherein the second summer is configured togenerate the second error signal based on the second output signal andthe second delayed signal.
 7. The channel decoder of claim 1, furthercomprising a summer configured to generate a corrected signal based onthe equalized data and the second error signal, wherein the detectormodule is configured to, based on the corrected signal, generate (i) theestimates of the data originally stored in the storage medium, (ii) thefirst set of depths, and (iii) the second set of depths.
 8. The channeldecoder of claim 7, further comprising: a timing error detectorconfigured to generate a timing signal based on the first error signal;and an analog-to-digital converter configured to generate a digitalsignal based on the data signal and the timing signal, wherein the datasignal is an analog signal, and wherein the filter is configured togenerate the equalized data in response to the digital signal.
 9. Thechannel decoder of claim 1, further comprising a device configured todetermine a least means square value based on the first error signal togenerate a weight signal, wherein the weight signal indicates filterweights, and wherein the filter is configured to generate the equalizeddata in response to the weight signal.
 10. The channel decoder of claim1, further comprising: a device configured to generate a gain signalbased on the first error signal; and an amplifier configured to amplifythe data signal based on the gain signal, wherein the filter isconfigured to generate the equalized data based on an output of theamplifier.
 11. The channel decoder of claim 1, further comprising: afirst device configured to generate a first correction signal based onthe second error signal; and a first summer configured to generate asecond correction signal based on the first correction signal and theequalized data, wherein the detector module is configured to, based onthe second correction signal, generate (i) the estimates of the dataoriginally stored in the storage medium, (ii) the first set of depths,and (iii) the second set of depths.
 12. The channel decoder of claim 11,further comprising: a delay device configured to delay the firstcorrection signal; a second summer configured to generate a first outputsignal based on the second error signal and in response to an output ofthe delay device; a second device configured to (i) limit a directcurrent offset of the output signal, and (ii) generate a thirdcorrection signal based on the first output signal, wherein the thirdcorrection signal indicates the direct current offset; and a thirdsummer configured to generate a second output signal based on the datasignal and the third correction signal, wherein the filter is configuredto generate the equalized data based on the second output signal.
 13. Amethod comprising: receiving an input signal based on data read from anon-transitory storage medium; demodulating the input signal to generatea data signal; generating equalized data based on the data signal;executing a Viterbi algorithm based on the equalized data to generateestimates of data originally stored in the non-transitory storagemedium; based on the execution of the Viterbi algorithm, generating afirst set of depths and a second set of depths, wherein the first set ofdepths includes depths larger than depths in the second set of depths;generating a first error signal based on the first set of depths; andgenerating a second error signal based on the second set of depths,wherein the equalized data is generated based on the first error signaland the second error signal.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: generating the first error signal indicating a first errorgradient based on the first set of depths; and generating the seconderror signal indicating a second error gradient based on the second setof depths.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: delaying theequalized data to generate a first delayed signal; delaying theequalized data to generate the first error signal; generating a seconddelayed signal based on the equalized data; and generating the seconderror signal based on the second delayed signal.
 16. The method of claim14, further comprising: filtering a first estimate signal to generate afirst output signal; filtering a second estimate signal to generate asecond output signal; generating the first estimate signal based on thefirst set of depths; and generating the second estimate signal based onthe second set of depths.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: delaying the equalized data to generate a first delayedsignal; delaying the equalized data to generate a second delayed signal;generating the first error signal based on the first output signal andthe first delayed signal; and generating the second error signal basedon the second output signal and the second delayed signal.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: generating a corrected signalbased on the equalized data and the second error signal; and based onthe corrected signal, generating (i) the estimates of the dataoriginally stored in the non-transitory storage medium, (ii) the firstset of depths, and (iii) the second set of depths.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, further comprising: generating a timing signal based on thefirst error signal; generating a digital signal based on the data signaland the timing signal, wherein the data signal is an analog signal; andgenerating the equalized data in response to the digital signal.
 20. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising: generating a first correctionsignal based on the second error signal; generating a second correctionsignal based on the first correction signal and the equalized data; andbased on the second correction signal, generating (i) the estimates ofthe data originally stored in the non-transitory storage medium, (ii)the first set of depths, and (iii) the second set of depths.